Columbia Mountain Trailhead | Wild Camping

April 8th, 2024 by Lola the Van

We arrived after dark on a very rainy night. The road in was full of massive potholes. Like the kind that could swallow our Promaster. We couldn't see how deep they were, but a few seemed potentially tricky even with our A/T tires. We headed east towards Glacier and took another wild camping spot available on iOverlander just north of the highway.

September 25th, 2023 by inadequateliver36

Nice spot for an overnight. There are at least 5-8 other cars or rigs in here for the night. Feels safe and decent cell service for basic communication. As soon as you pull on the road from the highway it’s super bumpy, be careful.

August 31st, 2023 by cjrosen114

Good spot! A few other cars but quiet. A couple bars of service

August 14th, 2023 by Fang Fang

Good spot, relatively quiet, ample parking. ATT has 2 bars LTE, slow but usable.

June 18th, 2023 by aflint74

Stayed here on two different trips to Glacier. This is a great spot. Relatively quiet. Cell signal is weak. Needed Weboost for any usable signal for internet. Text & call was fine.

April 17th, 2023 by cam.amoros

Perfect to spend one night. No facilities and low cell service.

October 9th, 2022 by martina.scheuermann

As described by others. Some pot holes in the way in that you can get around (I did in an SUV with AWD). Arrived after 7:30 in a Saturday night (10/9/22). Had no problem finding a place to park. Highway traffic noise really wasn’t bad and trains in the distance were far enough away that I didn’t wake up (am a relatively light sleeper). Great spot for a night before going up to GNP.

August 29th, 2022 by aflint74

Spent a night here with about 3 or 4 other vans. It was relatively quiet minimal road noise and the train wasn’t loud. The stars were beautiful during the night.

August 29th, 2022 by blessedveteran

This spot would be perfect if not for the local young folks who decided to camp in their back so they could "camp in the woods" to spoke pot and be loud all night. I chose this place so I would get a peaceful night's rest too lol. It is just a half circle of gravel road parking area. not good for big rigs. I heard the train but probably only because I was up anyway because of the locals. Full T-mobile service.

August 19th, 2022 by 2dogs.ontheroad

Great Trailhead with plenty of space. About 15min from West Glacier. Nice hike with views too. Has a natural spring just 1/4mi up the trail. Road is bumpy but doable with any vehicle. No restrictions for staying.

July 12th, 2022 by harvie.julie

I stayed here 2 nights no problems. It's as described, just be aware the road is quite bumpy getting in, especially right when you turn onto it. Take it slow and you should be fine

July 5th, 2022 by bkreutzer

Short bumpy road to trailhead. Busy during day but quiet between 11pm-6am.

June 23rd, 2022 by bakedbeans117

Mellow spot. Kind of high trave during the day. Occasional dirt biker coming down in the evening. Or the train crossing by a qtr mile away. Safe to car camp. Closest spot besides Walmart in the valley here (kalispell, whitefish area). Spent 4 nights here no issues or worries. Not dirty. But keep this place clean for future use! Short hike to great views haven’t done the full thing.

June 19th, 2022 by vamosportierra.com

Large parking lot that was removed from the road and quiet for the most part 1-2 bars of AT&T. Maybe 9 other rigs but plenty of space for all.

August 4th, 2021 by isaactaylorisu

It's just a trailhead loop so don't get too comfortable, 4 other vans spending the night there. Had some hikers show up at 7am.

Rant: Family in a Promaster parked near an old man in a minivan who was very upset about them keeping the van running for their A/C...it wasn't even that hot out. Dear God...that confrontation could've gone worse. Don't be a jerk to fellow VanLifers and get these places banned. You don't know what day they've had.

March 13th, 2021 by stephmal0ne

Awesome spot for a night. I was the only van and had an amazing view of the stars. My only complaint is that you can hear a train, but for a heavy sleeper like me it was fine.

August 18th, 2020 by tbowhunt

Perfect secluded spot, close to glacier. I stayed here 2 nights with no issues. I would just go to the fishing access park towards Colombia falls and cook and hangout and then at night drive up here and sleep, wake up early and go hike glacier.

August 10th, 2020 by wir-unterwegs.ch

Trailhead gravel parking. Easy access, close to main road. Good cell signal.